Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken an unprecedented step in the world of college football and state politics.
In a move that has raised eyebrows across the nation, DeSantis has earmarked $1 million of Florida's budget to potentially sue the NCAA over Florida State University's (FSU) exclusion from the College Football Playoff (CFP), as per HuffPost.
DeSantis Allocates Funds for NCAA Suit Over FSU Snub
The controversy began when the CFP Selection Committee announced the four teams to compete in the playoffs, leaving out FSU despite their undefeated regular season and ACC championship victory. This decision has sparked intense debate among sports commentators and fans alike.
Those in favor of the committee's decision cite FSU's reliance on their third-string quarterback due to injuries, while critics, including ESPN's Mike Greenberg, argue that FSU's strong performance should have guaranteed them a spot.
DeSantis, aligning with the latter viewpoint, expressed his disappointment on Twitter, congratulating FSU for their season and lamenting the committee's decision. But he didn't stop there.
As revealed by Ron Filipkowski, editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch, DeSantis is planning to allocate state funds for litigation against the NCAA. The 2024 state budget includes a provision for $1 million towards legal expenses for either the Board of Governors or FSU related to the committee's decision on December 3, 2023.
Interestingly, this legal fund would not be available until months after the conclusion of the college football season, as pointed out by Filipkowski. The news first broke on Mediaite, highlighting the unique nature of this political intervention in college sports, according to Mediaite.
Proposed Budget for FSU Playoff Legal Battle
DeSantis, in a press conference detailing Florida's proposed $114.4 billion budget, explained his personal connection to the issue, referencing his children's disappointment over FSU's playoff snub. While his recommendation to the Legislature is just that - a suggestion - it signals his willingness to engage in a legal battle over what he perceives as an injustice in sports.
Florida State's exclusion from the CFP has not only disappointed fans and players but also elicited strong reactions from team officials. Head coach Mike Norvell expressed his frustration, and ACC commissioner Jim Phillips called the decision "unfathomable." The Seminoles' plight is particularly noteworthy as they are the first undefeated Power 5 conference winner to miss the playoffs.
The CFP selection committee, led by chairman Boo Corrigan, defended their decision by pointing to FSU's weakened team dynamics following injuries to key players, including ACC Player of the Year Jordan Travis. The Seminoles' late-season injuries led to their relegation to the fifth seed, setting up a match against Georgia in the Capital One Orange Bowl on December 30.
Governor DeSantis's decision to use state funds for potential litigation against the NCAA is a bold move that intertwines sports, politics, and legal action. This situation not only shows the cultural importance of college football in the United States but also causes inquiries regarding the government's involvement in collegiate athletics. Whether this legal challenge materializes or not, it undoubtedly marks a new chapter in the complex relationship between sports and politics in the United States, ESPN reported.
